Amir wrote:My current thinking is:
Atlas asymmetry is not a genetic phenomenon. It could not be corrected if this was the case.
CureOrBust wrote:
"If someone had a genetic phenomenon where they had a large mole on the end of their nose, could it not be removed? I do not understand why/how the fact that it is genetic that it would necessarily return (I assume that is what you meant, your wording sounds absolute)."
This analogy is perhaps too simplistic. Symmetry is the hallmark of nature. Genes are sufficiently evolved to give the best and most symmetrical form to our structure for optimal function. As such it cannot have evolved a crooked Atlas as it would not contribute to the efficient functioning of our form.
If the Atlas was genetically crooked than everything else around it would have been of similar asymmetric construct to fit in. Correcting such an Atlas without going around chiselling and reshaping everything else will not work. Such tasks are impossible to accomplish while the removal of a mole is easily accomplished.
As it happens correcting the Atlas makes all the pieces of the jigsaw fit in and leads to an abatement of some symptoms that MSers suffer from.
Amir wrote:About 80% of patients have an Atlas asymmetry not 99% as claimed by some.
CureOrBustwrote:
"Is that figure for the general population or for MS patients specifically?"
This is my experience with patients suffering from a variety of illnesses including MS. In the general population it will vary from country to country and from urbanised communities to rural communities, from ancient life styles to modern living.
In general it should be less than 80%.
Amir wrote:Extreme caution is required in cases where patients have had multiple high velocity neck adjustments
CureOrBust wrote:
"Are you specifically talking regarding chiropractic treatments? and do you see this as identifiable damage in medical examinations such as X-rays?"
I do not wish to discredit any treatment which has more than likely all been undertaken in good faith. However, high velocity adjustments to the neck should be completely avoided because the damage to the neck is secondary to Atlas asymmetry and secondary to poor jaw relationships often from iatrogenic inteferences. The damage to the neck is obvious on scans especially if there is late stage damage and disc herniation which interferes with CSF flow. The cervical spine also loses its cervical lordosis and becomes more erect which can be seen on radiographs.